My Cousin's Wife Despises on Me

I was still groggy when I felt the buzzing at the back of my mind, a familiar, insistent pulse. It was a mind-link, and not just any mind-link. I recognized the signature instantly—Alpha Hadrian. I snapped awake, sitting up straight in my bed. My heart skipped a beat as I accepted the connection.

“Luann, it’s Alpha Hadrian. You’ve been selected to join the delegation to the Black Tears Pack,” his voice was steady, no-nonsense, but I could hear the underlying excitement. “Pack your bags; we leave in two days. Congratulations.”

The link cut off before I could respond, but I didn’t need to say anything. I threw off my blankets and leaped to my feet, a surge of energy rushing through my veins. Me? Chosen to represent our pack? This was huge! The Rain River Pack didn’t just send anyone to the Black Tears Pack—they were second only to the royal pack, and every interaction was delicate and crucial.

I rushed to my closet, pulling out my favorite jacket—one I’d had since my first shift—and slipped it on, my mind buzzing. My wolf, Rhea, was practically howling with joy inside me.

“This is it! Finally, a chance to prove ourselves!” she yipped, her excitement echoing in my thoughts.

I couldn’t help but grin, my own elation spilling over. “We’re going to the Black Tears Pack, Rhea!” I replied, feeling her energy ripple through me.

With barely contained glee, I ran down the stairs of my townhouse, almost stumbling over the last step in my haste. I had to tell Aunt Becca, Uncle Cael, and the rest of the family. They’d always been there for me, especially after my parents passed. Aunt Becca was like a second mother, and Uncle Cael… well, he was the closest thing I had to a father.

I burst through the living room door, finding them all sitting around the breakfast table. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and toast filled the room, mingling with the comforting warmth of home. Aunt Becca was mid-sip when she looked up at me, brow raised.

“What’s got you all fired up, Lu?” she asked, setting her cup down.

I tried to catch my breath, but the words just tumbled out. “Alpha Hadrian mind-linked me. I’ve been chosen for the delegation to the Black Tears Pack!”

I beamed, feeling like I was on top of the world. But before anyone could respond, Calixto’s wife, Bridget, stood up, her hands nervously fiddling with the hem of her dress.

“I… I have an announcement too,” she said, her voice soft but clear. Everyone’s eyes shifted to her, and I could see Aunt Becca’s smile falter just a bit, curiosity replacing the joy. “Calixto and I… we’re expecting a pup.”

The words hung in the air like a thunderclap. For a second, I felt like the floor had been ripped out from under me, and I was free-falling. I forced myself to smile, but it felt stiff, unnatural. Everyone else erupted into cheers, Aunt Becca’s hands flying to her mouth as she gasped in delight, Uncle Cael clapping Calixto on the back with a hearty laugh.

“This is… unexpected,” Rhea murmured in the back of my mind, her tail drooping slightly.

“Yeah, no kidding,” I replied, trying to keep my expression from slipping. I should have been happy for them—Calixto was practically a brother to me—but I couldn’t shake the pang in my chest. I had just shared the best news of my life, and it was like the universe decided to one-up me within the same breath.